The notice that you mentioned, which has been up for a while now, actually tells you how to prevent it.

"*Even if you are unaffected by UI settings and display issues at this time, there is a possibility that the issue may occur before it is addressed. In order to prevent further cases and apply the safest method, we ask that you open the HUD Layout settings as early as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience this may be."

As for the backup thing, there's also a way of copying the UI of someone else by copying the right files from the XIV folder.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/comme...her_character/

The comments on the question should explain it well enough.